HAMILTON – As the days to kickoff dwindle, the Fred '50 and Marilyn Dunlap Head Football Coach Stan Dakosty makes finalizations to his staff with the addition of Abbey Paduano as the Director of Football Operations and Justin Karriem as Quality Control. 
 
Paduano most recently served as the Athletics Event and Marketing Coordinator for Colgate. In this role, Paduano helped with in-game promotions, and game day operations, while also managing student-workers. 
 
"I'm thrilled and honored to work with Head Coach Stan Dakosty and his stellar coaching staff, that not only value their players' work on the field, but their character and work in the classroom and the community," Paduano said. "I'm eager to be a part of the rich tradition of Colgate football and looking forward to working with our supportive alumni."
 
Before her time at Colgate, Paduano interned at the Adirondack Bank Center, working in facility operations and event planning. Paduano also spent time working with the Utica Comets. 
 
"We couldn't be more excited to welcome Abbey to the Colgate football family," Dakosty said. "She brings an incredible amount of organization and energy to a position that is the backbone of our day-to-day operations. During her time on campus this past year, she impressed so many people within the department on a daily basis.
 
"After doing a national search, we were fortunate to find the perfect fit right here within our Colgate community. There is no doubt she brings with her the values and work ethic that align with the culture of our program. We can't wait to get to work with her as we continue to build towards our next Patriot League title."
 
An outstanding member of the SUNY Cortland women's ice hockey team, Paduano ended her collegiate career seeing the ice in 64 games. 
 
Paduano earned her Bachelor of Science in Sport Facility and Event Management in 2020 from SUNY Cortland. She also earned her Master of Science in Human Resources in 2022 from Albany Law School. 
 
Karriem most recently had a two-year stint as the Defensive Pass Game Coordinator/Defensive Backs Coach at the Catholic University of America. Karriem assisted with the defense while also leading the secondary that were first in the NEWMAC conference. 
 
"I'm excited to be a part of such a rich tradition here at Colgate, with all the success and production that the program has had over the years, on and off the field," Karriem said.
 
Prior to his time at the Catholic University of America, Karriem spent seven years coaching for Potomac High School, serving in a variety of different positions. Karriem has mentored players who have gone on to play at multiple Division I schools. Karriem also brings valuable recruiting experience from more than 12 states. 
 
"We are excited to welcome Justin to the Colgate Football family," Dakosty said. "His experiences on the field, in the classroom, and in his community, all add great value to our program.
 
"Justin will wear a lot of different hats within the program and will be a huge asset to the day-to-day operations, both on and off the field. We know he'll have a great impact on our players and program."
 
Karriem earned his Bachelor of Science in Sport Management from Towson University in 2013.